Effect of scar-producing moxibustion at the acupoints Zusanli (ST 36) and Feishu (BL 13) on neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and quality of life in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer: A randomized, controlled trial

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of heat stimulation via scar-producing moxibustion at the acupoints Zusanli (ST 36) and Feishu (BL 13) on the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and quality of life in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS: Seventy patients with NSCLC were randomly assigned into two groups: group A received scar-producing moxibustion at the acupoints Zusanli (ST 36) and Feishu (BL 13) every day for 6 weeks, while group B received no intervention (control group). Outcome measures were the NLR and the scores from the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30). The NLR and the EORTC QLQ-C30 were assessed at baseline and at the end of 6 weeks. RESULTS: Five participants dropped out, leaving a final total of 65 participants who completed the trial. Groups A and B had a similar mean NLR at baseline. After the treatment course, the NLR in group A was significantly lower than that in group B (P < 0.001). Compared with group B, the EORTC QLQ-C30 scores in group A were significantly greater in terms of global health status or quality of life (P < 0.001) and function (P < 0.05), and significantly lower in terms of symptoms (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The present study suggests that performing scar-producing moxibustion by heat-stimulating the acupoints Zusanli (ST 36) and Feishu (BL 13) effectively decreases the NLR and improves the quality of life in patients with NSCLC.